Search - Bruford/Borstlap: In Concert in Holland on DVD

If you want to know what's missing in Crimson....

o dubhthaigh | north rustico, pei, canada | 12/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Look and listen no further than right here. This 2 part live set definitively places Bruford among the greatest, if not the single greatest, drummer ever. EVER. Paired with Dutch pianist Borslap, a brilliant avant garde pianist in his own right, the abstemious Bruford shows you how to play several odd-metre time signatures at once, without resorting to electronic drums. One could argue that the entire trajectory of the electronic drum industry has been to approximate as closely as possible what Bruford effects with 4 appendages and a drum kit. Imagine the pickle that puts chaps like Mastellotto, White, Wallace, Giles, or any other sot who has had the misfortune to follow or precede Bruford in the drum chair....
In any case, this is absolutely compelling stuff and part of Bruford's efforts to disseminate his ouvre, past and present to an audience that is quite ready to journey with him. The live audiences in these two shows is quite THERE at every turn. It is an engaged concert, the kind he commanded when he pushed Belew, Fripp and Levin, among others. Intellectually and passionately this is exceptionally staisfying. This set also helps recast those efforts with Patrick Moraz in the eighties in a new and more expansive light. Make no mistake, this present collaboration is a quantum leap forward."

New Duo Spins Out Inspired Music

Michael Bettine | Milwaukee, WI United States | 04/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The pairing of veteran drummer Bill Bruford with the younger keyboardist Michiel Borstlap is an inspired choice. It's quickly apparent that these two share a common musical ground and aren't afraid to dive in and explore uncharted territory. The main feature here is a concert film from Nijmegen, Holland in 2002. This is the first performance by the duo. For the most part, Bruford seems sure of himself, if not always sure of where his partner is going. This is were the gulf between youth and experience shows. While not lacking in enthusiasm, Borstlap sometimes seems to lack a clear cut musical direction. This leaves Bruford musically 'treading water' at times, waiting for something concrete to come by that he can latch on to. But this is a minor annoyance, as Borstlap is a brilliant pianist with a flair for the melodic. And other than a few lapses, his playing is solid and inventive.

Bruford seems at ease, whether spinning out polyrhythms, or adding shades of colors to Borstlap's melodies. He's a careful listener and able to shift musical direction as the proceedings ebb and flow. His solos are solid, based more on rhythmic themes than random improvisation. He's as much a composer here as Borstlap. The camera work is for the most part first rate, giving plenty of close up shots of both musicians in flight. There is also a bonus CD of the Nijmegen concert.

The bonus DVD tracks are some rather raw camcorder footage from a small club show in Maastricht, Holland a year or two later. Ironically, this is the stronger musical material, showing a tighter, more focused and mature duo. While the sound quality is less than optimal, there is a real dynamic to the duo's performance. Owing to the camera work basically being from an audience perspective, we are often treated to some 'home movie' style shots. The most frustrating thing is on "Peacock Strut" where Bruford is playing some interesting rhythms on a pair of gongs laid on top of his drums, yet the camera concentrates almost exclusively on Borstlap! Still, the music is quite excellent and exciting - and that's what counts.

This is a solid DVD with some excellent music. If you were a fan of the Moraz/Bruford duo in the 1980s, then you will find a lot to like here, as the duo works in much of the same style and musical territory. Let's hope that the duo continues for years to come and is able to put together some major tours, both in Europe and the States. Highly recommended.
© 2005 Michael Bettine"

HORIZONS

Drum Trekker | 09/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very compelling material. More in the direction of Free Jazz amd Modern Classical without losing structure and a groove. The drum dynamics in the second track (cowbells + cymbals + drums)is full of ideas, nuances. Bruford (a restless soul) is so comfortable with it right now that I anticipate a future move into....?

Excellent sounds from Borstlap, more bass keyboards would have made it even more devastating."